Cranberry Rosemary Lemonade
Cranberry Rosemary Lemonade is a refreshing twist on classic lemonade, combining the tartness of cranberries, the brightness of fresh lemon, and the earthy hint of rosemary. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this drink is perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to holiday celebrations. Serve it chilled over ice and garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a beautiful, festive touch. This easy-to-make, customizable recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be adapted to taste with sparkling water, herbs, or even a splash of spirits for an adult version. Cheers to a deliciously unique sip!
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan – for simmering cranberries and rosemary
- 1 Blender or Food Processor – to blend the cranberry mixture
- 1 Fine Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth (optional) – for straining the cranberry mixture if you prefer a smoother texture
- 1 Large Pitcher – for mixing and serving the lemonade
- 1 Citrus Juicer – to extract juice from the lemons
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – to accurately measure water, sweetener, and other ingredients
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon – for mixing the ingredients in the pitcher
- Ice Cube Trays (optional) – if you’d like to freeze cranberries or rosemary sprigs in ice cubes for garnish
- Glasses for serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups Filtered water, divided
- 1 cup Fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup Fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- ½ cup Raw honey or pure maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 3-4 sprigs Fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon slices and fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Ingredient Tips: For a more intense rosemary flavor, infuse the rosemary in hot water for 5–10 minutes before mixing it into the lemonade. You can also substitute honey with agave syrup if you prefer.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry MixtureIn a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the cranberries. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst (about 5–7 minutes). Once done, let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Step 2: Infuse the RosemaryWhile the cranberry mixture is cooling, bring another 1 cup of water to a simmer in a separate pot. Add the rosemary sprigs and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the rosemary to release its flavor. Remove from heat and discard the rosemary sprigs.
- Step 3: Blend CranberriesUsing a blender or food processor, blend the cranberries and their cooking water until smooth. If you prefer a clearer drink, strain the cranberry mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible. Set aside.
- Step 4: Mix LemonadeIn a large pitcher, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, fresh lemon juice, cranberry mixture, rosemary-infused water, and honey (or your preferred sweetener). Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Adjust to TasteTaste your lemonade and adjust as needed. For more sweetness, add extra honey or maple syrup. For a stronger lemon flavor, squeeze in more lemon juice.
- Step 6: Serve and GarnishPour over ice and garnish each glass with fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy!